1921 Morgan Silver Dollar Value Guide
- Period
- 1921
- Origin
- United States
- Materials
- 90% Silver, 10% Copper
- Category
- Silver dollar
The 1921 Morgan Silver Dollar represents the final year of George T. Morgan's iconic design, minted after a 17-year hiatus following the Bland-Allison Act. It is a cornerstone of American numismatics, serving as the transitional piece before the introduction of the Peace Dollar.
What affects the value of 1921 Morgan Silver Dollar?
- The current spot price of silver significantly impacts the baseline bullion value of these 90% silver coins.
- Numerical grading by services like PCGS or NGC, as high-grade uncirculated examples command premiums over the $30-$35 average.
- The presence of a 'D' (Denver) or 'S' (San Francisco) mint mark can influence desirability compared to the common Philadelphia strike.
- Surface preservation, including the lack of heavy 'bag marks' or signs of harsh cleaning, preserves the coin's numismatic integrity.
How to Identify 1921 Morgan Silver Dollar?
- Verify the 90% silver and 10% copper composition, which gives the coin a distinct metallic ring when handled.
- Look for the '1921' date on the obverse below Lady Liberty's profile, noting that this year features a shallower relief than earlier issues.
- Check for mint marks (S for San Francisco or D for Denver) located on the reverse above the 'DO' in 'DOLLAR', or no mark for Philadelphia.
- Confirm the weight is approximately 26.73 grams and the diameter is 38.1 millimeters.
History of 1921 Morgan Silver Dollar
The Morgan Silver Dollar was minted from 1878 to 1904, and then briefly resumed production in 1921. It was authorized by the Bland-Allison Act, which required the US Treasury to purchase a set amount of silver and convert it into silver dollars. The 1921 issue marks the final year of this iconic design before it was replaced by the Peace Dollar. Millions were struck, making it one of the most common dates, yet it remains highly popular with collectors as the last Morgan dollar produced.
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